VERACRUZ, Mexico — Authorities in the Gulf Coast state of Veracruz have confirmed the murder of journalist Roxana Berenice Guzmán Ramírez, nearly a month after she was forcibly abducted.
Guzmán disappeared on June 2, 2026, in the municipality of Nanchital, located in southern Veracruz. Preliminary investigations suggest the reporter was killed shortly after her kidnapping.
Her remains were discovered on a ranch in the neighboring municipality of Moloacán, an area currently secured by the Mexican Navy (SEMAR) and forensic experts.
In connection with the crime, state and federal authorities arrested a primary suspect on Thursday in the city of Coatzacoalcos. The suspect, identified as José del Carmen Cadena Escayola, known by the alias “Delta 7,” faces charges for the kidnapping and murder of the journalist.
The arrest followed weeks of intelligence operations led by SEMAR in coordination with the Veracruz Secretariat of Public Security. Security sources revealed that after his capture, the suspect disclosed the location where Guzmán had been killed.
The murder has sparked profound outrage and condemnation from local journalists and human rights organizations. Advocates are demanding a comprehensive investigation and absolute transparency from state prosecutors, emphasizing that the state of Veracruz remains one of the most perilous regions in Mexico for media professionals.
The governor of Veracruz, Rocío Nahle, has publicly denied that the kidnapping of journalist Roxana Guzmán is related to her journalistic work.
However, various accounts and demands from citizens circulating on social media and independent news outlets indicate otherwise.
Governor Rocío Nahle has avoided discussing any lines of investigation, stating that the case is in the hands of the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) and that state and federal authorities have continued the search since the events occurred on June 2.
Civil society groups and news platforms assert that Guzmán was investigating the governor prior to her disappearance from her home in Nanchital, Veracruz.
Federal authorities and the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) have arrested several individuals allegedly involved in the case, including a commander and municipal police officers.
Sources; Azteca Noticias, La Jornada, Alcantarilla.com.mx
